British No.1 Andy Murray has spoken to those interested in tennis tickets about the need for compulsory heart tests for tennis players following Bolton footballer Fabrice Muamba collapsing at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

The 23-year-old fell to the floor during an FA Cup quarter-final tie against Tottenham and he is now showing positive signs of recovery, although it is unknown what long-term damage there will be.

Part of the reason Muamba survived was the quick medical attention he received at the ground and Murray is convinced Tennis players should have their health assessed more regularly.

The Scotsman said: “I was actually watching the game when it happened and I was head in hands. You just can’t believe it. It’s an amazing fight from him and hopefully he’s going to make a safe recovery.”

“I think it’s time in almost all sports everybody should have screenings before they can compete. This has happened too many times. Here in the States it’s happened in high school and college basketball games and, of course, it’s happened a few times in football.”

“With all the pressure and stress of modern sport you have no idea how much you are pushing yourself on the pitch or court, I think it’s something that’s just got to be done.”

Murray then spoke about the own tests he undertakes, saying that his medical team always keep a close eye on things and he hopes this is the same across the sport before long.

He continued: “I do my tests independently. I’ve been doing my tests for three years now so I have heart scans, heart monitors and other tests. I started when these things seemed to be happening more often.”

“But it’s not something that’s done within tennis. But I just think it should be. Everyone should have a medical or a check-up before you’re allowed to compete because it’s such a horrible thing for people to witness.”

“The reality is if something doesn’t happen about it, it’s likely to happen again at some stage, and it’s just so, so horrible. You don’t wish something like that to happen to anybody.”

“It’s clear to me that all the teams should be checked. I’m not sure if they do, but I know in tennis we don’t.”

It will be interesting to see how things develop in this field. Hopefully Muamba will make a full recovery and it can have a positive effect on sport across the world.

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